Granite wall tiles can be beautiful, extravagant additions to your home. They come in many rich colors and patterns that are such to please any decor taste. Installation is not difficult but there are some key points that differentiate granite tiles from other materials. They are much heavier and do require supports to prevent slippage. Choosing the proper substrate to install the tile on and the correct mortar are also musts. Covering these basics will set you on course to achieving your new granite walls.
Choosing Tile
Choosing a tile style is the first step in achieving your new granite wall space. Granite Since granite is a substantial investment, be sure to visit a quality stone supplier. Tiles are commonly sold in 12 inch squares that are 3/8 of an inch thick. It is very important that tiles are the same size as the finished grout lines will draw quick notice to any tiles that are too large or too small.
Proper Substrate
Granite is a very heavy material so the substrate it is going to be attached to needs to be very strong and securely attached itself. If the substrate isn't properly attached the granite tiles will fall off. Cement board or water proof gypsum board is a frequently used substrate for granite tile. If you do decide to install your own substrate, remember that you can not use too many screws to attach the boards to studs.
Choosing Mortar
Due to their weight, granite tiles need very adhesive mortar. A cement based thin set is a good choice. It is extremely sticky and bonds well with granite. Most installers will also include a crack isolation fabric under the mortar that will help to prevent cracks in the finished granite wall tiles. Cement mortar comes in two colors, gray and white. White mortar is used for lighter colored granite while gray is reserved for darker hues. The wall tiles need to be well supported when installed on the wall to prevent sliding. Very straight thin boards placed against the tiles and screwed into the wall can be used as supports.
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